Poonam Dhillon Backs Ranveer Singh in 'Don 3' Row, Applauds Actor’s Professional Integrity

The CINTAA president defends the actor’s decision to offer compensation and asserts that lead stars have a fundamental right to engage with their film’s creative direction.

The industry debate surrounding the fallout between Ranveer Singh and the makers of Don 3 has found a new voice in veteran actor and Cine & TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) president, Poonam Dhillon. Following a high-profile dispute that saw the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) briefly issue a non-cooperation directive against the star, Dhillon has stepped forward to commend the actor’s handling of his exit from the franchise.

The conflict, which reportedly stemmed from creative differences, left producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani facing a financial setback estimated between Rs 40-45 crore. When the production house approached the federation, the situation escalated into a formal dispute. However, Dhillon emphasized that Singh’s decision to return his signing amount and offer compensation for the incurred losses demonstrates a level of professional maturity rarely seen in the high-stakes world of Bollywood. "Kudos to him that he offered compensation for losses incurred," Dhillon noted, highlighting that many in the industry would not take such a proactive step.

Navigating Creative Differences

Beyond the specific financial resolution, the Don 3 controversy has sparked a wider conversation about the role of actors in pre-production. When asked if performers should stick solely to their scripts or participate in decision-making, Dhillon offered a staunch defense of modern actors. She argued that since lead stars are the public face of a project—and ultimately bear the brunt of audience reception—they have every right to voice concerns regarding scripts and casting.

"They are intelligent, thinking people," Dhillon said, advocating for a collaborative environment where an actor's input contributes to the betterment of the project. She noted that Singh, who has delivered two major hits with the Don producers’ banner, Excel Entertainment, maintains an excellent relationship with the team, suggesting the exit was a professional disagreement rather than a personal rift.

The Role of Industry Bodies

The situation highlights the complex friction between creative autonomy and production obligations. While the FWICE had initially issued a non-cooperation notice, the directive was withdrawn following discussions. CINTAA, which represents the interests of artistes, has positioned itself as a guardian of professional conduct, with Dhillon underscoring that actors like Singh are not in the habit of deliberately causing harm to those they work with.

As the industry moves forward, the case serves as a template for how talent and production houses might resolve disputes without burning bridges. By choosing to compensate the producers, Ranveer Singh has arguably set a new standard for how creative departures should be handled, ensuring that the "Don" franchise—and his own professional reputation—can remain on steady ground despite the initial hurdles.